James Gorfin of Alderley Edge splashed the cash to train with the Silkmen for a week and appear during the second half in their pre-season friendly against Stoke City at the Moss Rose ground.

The dad-of-two and self-confessed Manchester United fan even had a shot on goal – but was substituted after the attempt exacerbated a groin injury he had picked up in training.

The Express revealed in June how the cash-strapped club was offering fans the chance to ‘pay and play’ with the professional side in a league or cup game – a story that made headlines around the world. Officials at Macc Town announced a u-turn a day later – but after checking with Stoke City that they were happy for James to play, subject to a week’s training, they gave the new player the all-clear to take part.

Striker James, the CEO of recruitment company G2V, said his personal trainer spotted the story and convinced him to take part. The 40-year-old said: “It was fantastic. I really enjoyed the whole week.

“I couldn’t sprint because of my injury, and I was disappointed I couldn’t play my full 20 minutes – if I had not been injured I might have scored.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m really genuinely glad I did it. I’m a Manchester United supporter really – but Macc Town are now definitely my second team.”

The £10,000 fee also included sponsorship and advertising opportunities at Moss Rose.

Silkmen fans took to Twitter to highlight James’s achievement.

Macclesfield Town Fans, at @MaccTownNews, tweeted: ‘@Jamesgofg2v was the man who played for @thesilkmen this afternoon. THERE'S ONLY ONE JAMES GORFIN!’

But fan Tom Jones tweeted: ‘James Gorfin – don’t give up your day job. Fair play for the donation though.’

A spokesman for Macclesfield Town FC said: “James become one of our new sponsors this season and was very keen to take up a chance to play on the Moss with the first team.

“With the pre-season friendlies offering the chance for a non-competive appearance James was set the task of convincing John and Efe that he was fit enough to make the team sheet. After spending time training with the players, John and Efe were happy to accomodate James's wish and we were pleased that he managed his 10 minutes.”